ROVERS ON THE UP BUT CAN THEY FILL DOIDGE BOOTS?

BEFORE yesterday’s game against bottom of the table Macclesfield, Forest Green Rovers were the only League Two side yet to taste defeat.

Rovers were sitting in a play-off position and already this season is looking very different to last year’s maiden campaign in the Football League.

Since promotion there has been a huge overhaul of the squad. In fact, not a single player remains from their play-off final victory over Tranmere in May 2017.

Gradually the quality in the squad has improved and the team now have the ability to play the easy-on-the-eye football that manager Mark Cooper encourages.

He has also been flexible with his formation. I saw them trouble Swindon last month with a back four and a midfield diamond and last Saturday they played a back three in the 1-0 home success over Crawley.

The energy of Liam Shephard and Joseph Mills as wing-backs has given them a new attacking threat in the wide areas.

At the back they have started the season well. The signing of defender Nathan McGinley on loan from Middlesbrough already looks to be an inspired one. Behind him is another loanee - goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton has impressed with his agility and shot- stopping. In holding midfield, the experienced Lloyd James is a calming influence and keeps the team ticking over with his quality passing.

It’s up top where the team is firmly under the microscope. The departure of top scorer Christian Doidge to Bolton has left a big gaping hole in the forward line.

The statistics show you that the team is creating plenty of chances but six draws from nine games pre-weekend tells you that not enough are being converted. If they are to seriously challenge for promotion, the evergreen Reuben Reid will have to carry the main burden supported by the talented duo of George Williams and Tahvon Campbell.